About: I’m a former science teacher who lived in MT until moving to Greeley in 2002 at which time I became stay-at-home mom. During that time, I started writing ultimately took a writing apprenticeship course through the Christian Writer’s Guild to hone my skills. I love reading, hiking, coffee and peanut butter cups.

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Like many of you, I was saddened by the news of Robin Williams’ passing. And, naturally, I was even more heartbroken to hear that his death is an apparent suicide.

I grew up watching “Mork and Mindy” and was slightly obsessed with the quirky comedy; to the extent that I owned the classic Mork outfit that Robin Williams sports in the accompanying photo and I wore it to school more than I’d care to admit (this action explains a lot about my social status in elementary school but that is a subject for another article).

As I got older, so did Robin Williams and he proved himself to not only be a gifted comedian but also a talented dramatic actor. “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Aladdin,” and “Night at the Museum” are all movies we’ve watched as a family and I look forward to sharing the likes of “Dead Poet’s Society” and “Good Will Hunting” with my girls later in their lives.

News of Mr. Williams’ death spread like wildfire across the social media and almost every status update and tweet I read said something along the lines of “So sad,” “He was so talented,” or “Such a funny person.”

I even saw a few people ask, “Why?”

Why would a brilliant artist who obviously brought joy to so many people take his own life?

His publicist released a statement saying that he has been battling severe depression lately and, really, that’s all we need to know.

Depression is a great equalizer. It affects celebrities and stay-at-home moms. It doesn’t care what your income is or how many people you know. It can strike you down quickly like a poisonous viper or squeeze you slowly like a boa constrictor.

I know. I’ve been there. And I’m keenly aware that I can go back at any time.

There are different types of depression. Some can be managed by diligent monitoring of things like diet, exercise and social interaction but some require therapy or medication or both. However, all of them need to be recognized to be treated.

I beg you, if you are suffering from symptoms of depression such as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt or anxiety – tell someone. Talk to your spouse, your doctor, your best friend, anyone. But take that step. Please.

My family has been directly affected by suicide. There are no words to adequately describe the long-term consequences such an action has on those left behind.

Yes, the world is grieving the senseless death of a talented man. More importantly, three kids no longer have a dad.

You don’t have to be famous to have your life matter. It already does matter.